SAN DIEGO — Although God is the central “actor” in the Torah, Moses plays a significant supporting role. In fact, from the story of his birth on, there is not one parasha in the Torah that does not mention Moses by name…except parashat T’tzavveh. In parashat T’tzavveh, Moses’ name does not appear even once.
According to some commentators, it was because Moses challenged God after God wanted to destroy the Israelite people for building the Golden Calf. Moses pleaded with God to forgive them: “Now, if You will forgive their sin [well and good]; but if not, erase me from the record which You have written!” (Ex. 32:32) If God was going to destroy Israel, Moses wanted to suffer the same fate.
Even though God relented and did not destroy the people, God gave Moses a taste of how it would be to be forgotten (“erase me from the record which You have written!”) by not including his name in parashat T’tzavveh. Perhaps next time you will think before you speak!
Other commentators, however, were outraged by this explanation. They said that despite the Israelites’ sin and betrayal, Moses laid down his life and reputation to save them. This was a noble and selfless act. Why would God punish Moses for acting in such a Godly way? His name should be celebrated and not left out of any part of the Torah.
These commentators suggested another reason for Moses’ name being left out of this parasha: Moses himself.
Moses was one of the most humble men on earth. He did not like to draw attention to himself or his deeds. He didn’t want anyone making a fuss over him. He always thought more of others, especially the Israelites, than he did of himself.
When Moses was writing parashat T’tzavveh he was engaged in a moment of retrospection. He thought to himself: “Who am I and what am I? I am not special, merely dust and ashes. I am not special, just a servant of the Almighty. Why should I be accorded the honor and authority to command the Israelites?”
It was in this frame of mind that Moses wrote parashat T’tzavveh. He wept softly as he thought of his own imperfections, and decided his name was not worthy of even a mention in these chapters.” (Al Ha-Torah)
Such was the greatness of Moses. Despite his position and power, he was modest and humble in all that he did.
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Rabbi Rosenthal is spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel Synagogue in San Diego. He may be contacted via leonard.rosenthal@sdjewishworld.com . Comments intended for publication in the space below must be accompanied by the letter writer’s first and last name and by his/ her city and state of residence (city and country for those outside the U.S.)
